“International Students Contribute to Our Economy & American Innovation”

This image, created by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a “non-profit professional organization for professionals in all areas of international education including education abroad advising and administration,” was recently posted on Facebook by a US higher education colleague.

All compelling points with which I agree 100%. In fact, they could create another graphic that lists more reasons for hosting international students and encouraging a certain percentage to remain, if they so desire.

Here’s the problem though: while this information appeals to reasonable and rational US Americans who either already have somewhat of a global outlook, or at least “get it” when it comes to the economics of hosting large numbers of international students, it falls on blind eyes and deaf ears when it comes to people like President Trump and many (most?) of his supporters. America First, remember? Their words and actions, rather than making the US better than it is for all people, are accelerating its decline.

Why? Nativism and nationalism – in that order. If you’re not sure what these words mean, don’t worry you’re in good company. Many people with a Ph.D. after their name don’t know either. Just read the articles linked from one or both of the words.